Projection System Including a 3-D Extendable Projection Surface

Entertainment props suitable for use in generating large imposing visual effects in a scene, such as mountains, waterfalls and cyclonic weather phenomena, for example, are typically large static projection surfaces. Introducing such objects into a scene, and removing them after the visual effect they help to produce is no longer desired, can be a cumbersome physical relocation process that may be observable to viewers, thereby undesirably breaking immersion of those viewers in an entertainment experience that includes the visual effect. In other words, although a large static projection surface can satisfy projection needs to create a desired imposing visual effect, the lighting requirements for the scene typically result in the disadvantage that a prop of that scale is visible to viewers prior to the start of the visual effect, is visible to viewers after the visual effect is no longer featured in the scene, or is visible to viewers as it is moved into or out of the scene. Thus, there is a need in the art for a projection solution capable of appearing to generate a visual effect organically, in the midst of a well-lighted scene, as well as to cause that visual effect to disappear from view without breaking immersion of viewers of an entertainment including the visual effect.

The following description contains specific information pertaining to implementations in the present disclosure. One skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be implemented in a manner different from that specifically discussed herein. The drawings in the present application and their accompanying detailed description are directed to merely exemplary implementations. Unless noted otherwise, like or corresponding elements among the figures may be indicated by like or corresponding reference numerals.

As stated above, entertainment props suitable for use in generating large imposing visual effects in a scene, such as mountains, waterfalls and cyclonic weather phenomena, for example, are typically large static projection surfaces. Introducing such objects into a scene, and removing them after the visual effect they help to produce is no longer desired, can be a cumbersome physical relocation process that may be observable to viewers, thereby undesirably breaking immersion of those viewers in an entertainment experience that includes the visual effect. In other words, although a large static projection surface can satisfy projection needs to create a desired imposing visual effect, the lighting requirements for the scene typically result in the disadvantage that a prop of that scale is visible to viewers prior to the start of the visual effect, is visible to viewers after the visual effect is no longer featured in the scene, or is visible to viewers as it is moved into or out of the scene, which, for some visual effects may need to occur frequently.

The present application is directed to projection systems including three-dimensional (3-D) extendable projection surfaces and methods for their use that address and overcome the deficiencies in the conventional art. The novel and inventive concepts disclosed in the present application advance the state-of-the-art by providing a projection solution capable of appearing to generate a visual effect organically, by realistically moving and shaping a 3-D projection surface as it is deployed in the midst of a well-lighted scene, as well as to cause that visual effect to disappear from view without breaking immersion of viewers of an entertainment including the visual effect. The visual effect produced by the novel and inventive 3-D extendable projection surface disclosed in the present application has the additional advantage of being viewable in-the-round to full effect. That is to say, the resultant visual effect may be viewed from multiple or moving perspectives concurrently. Moreover, the present solution may advantageously be implemented as substantially automated systems and methods.

As defined in the present application, the terms “automation,” “automated” and “automating” refer to systems and processes that do not require human intervention. Although in some implementations a human operator may supervise the systems using the methods described herein, that human involvement is optional. Thus, the methods described in the present application may be performed under the control of hardware processing components of the disclosed automated systems.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 2 2 FIGS.A andB 1 FIG. 100 100 102 104 108 106 110 100 130 101 130 130 102 102 130 100 101 shows a diagram of a projection system (hereinafter “system”) including a 3-D extendable projection surface, according to one exemplary implementation. As shown in, systemincludes computing platformhaving hardware processor, transceiverand system memoryimplemented as a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing software code. In addition, systemincludes projection unitlocated in venuefor an entertainment, such an animation, video presentation, theatrical performance, or multi-media presentation, to name a few examples. The entertainment may be presented in conjunction with a show, a ride, or an interactive experience, to name a few examples. It is noted that although not shown in, projection unitincludes a 3-D extendable projection surface, which is described in detail below by reference to. It is further noted that althoughdepicts projection unitas being controlled by, but physically separate from, computing platform, that representation is provided merely by way of example. In some implementations computing platformand projection unitmay be integrated into a single apparatus. Thus, in those implementations, systemmay be located in venue.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 100 120 122 122 101 124 112 114 120 124 102 100 120 100 120 101 100 124 100 124 118 100 120 124 112 114 As further shown in, systemis implemented within a use environment including sensor unitincluding one or more sensors(hereinafter “sensor(s)”) located in venue, entertainment systemconfigured to control the presentation of a predetermined entertainment, and communication networkproviding network communication linkscommunicatively coupling sensor unitand entertainment systemwith computing platformof system. It is noted that, in some implementations, sensor unitmay be included as a feature of system, while in other implementations sensor unitmay be a feature of venuecapable of communicating with system. It is further noted that, in some implementations, entertainment systemmay be included as a feature of system, or entertainment systemmay be a macro-control system, such as a ride system or an audio/video control system that may include lighting and other equipment supporting a show. Also shown inis activation signalreceived by systemfrom sensor unitor from entertainment systemvia communication networkand network communication links.

110 106 106 104 102 Although the present application refers to software codeas being stored in system memoryfor conceptual clarity, more generally, system memorymay take the form of any computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. The expression “computer-readable non-transitory storage medium,” as defined in the present application, refers to any medium, excluding a carrier wave or other transitory signal that provides instructions to hardware processorof computing platform. Thus, a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium may correspond to various types of media, such as volatile media and non-volatile media, for example. Volatile media may include dynamic memory, such as dynamic random access memory (dynamic RAM), while non-volatile memory may include optical, magnetic, or electrostatic storage devices. Common forms of computer-readable non-transitory storage media include, for example, internal and external hard drives, optical discs, RAM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM) and FLASH memory.

100 106 Moreover, in some implementations, systemmay utilize a decentralized secure digital ledger in addition to system memory. Examples of such decentralized secure digital ledgers may include a blockchain, hashgraph, directed acyclic graph (DAG), and Holochain® ledger, to name a few. In use cases in which the decentralized secure digital ledger is a blockchain ledger, it may be advantageous or desirable for the decentralized secure digital ledger to utilize a consensus mechanism having a proof-of-stake (PoS) protocol, rather than the more energy intensive proof-of-work (PoW) protocol.

1 FIG. 110 106 100 102 104 106 100 It is noted that althoughdepicts software codeas being stored in its entirety in a single instantiation of system memory, that representation is also merely provided as an aid to conceptual clarity. More generally, systemmay include one or more computing platforms, such as computer servers for example, which may be co-located, or may form an interactively linked but distributed system, such as a cloud-based system, for instance. As a result, hardware processorand system memorymay correspond to distributed processor and memory resources within system.

104 102 110 106 Hardware processormay include multiple hardware processing units, such as one or more central processing units, one or more graphics processing units, and one or more tensor processing units, one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), custom hardware for machine-learning training or inferencing, and an application programming interface (API) server, for example. By way of definition, as used in the present application, the terms “central processing unit” (CPU), “graphics processing unit” (GPU), and “tensor processing unit” (TPU) have their customary meaning in the art. That is to say, a CPU includes an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) for carrying out the arithmetic and logical operations of computing platform, as well as a Control Unit (CU) for retrieving programs, such as software code, from system memory, while a GPU may be implemented to reduce the processing overhead of the CPU by performing computationally intensive graphics or other processing tasks. A TPU is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) configured specifically for artificial intelligence processes such as machine learning.

108 108 108 Transceivermay be implemented as a wireless communication unit configured for use with one or more of a variety of wireless communication protocols. For example, transceivermay include a fourth generation (4G) wireless transceiver, a 5G wireless transceiver, or 4G and 5G wireless transceivers. In addition, or alternatively, transceivermay be configured for communications using one or more of Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi®), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX®), Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® low energy (BLE), ZigBee®, radio-frequency identification (RFID), near-field communication (NFC), and 60 GHz wireless communications methods.

102 102 100 102 102 112 In some implementations, computing platformmay correspond to one or more web servers accessible over a packet-switched network such as the Internet, for example. Alternatively, computing platformmay correspond to one or more computer servers supporting a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or included in another type of private or limited distribution network. In addition, or alternatively, in some implementations, systemmay utilize a local area broadcast method, such as User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or Bluetooth, for instance. Furthermore, in some implementations, computing platformmay be implemented virtually, such as in a data center. For example, in some implementations, computing platformmay be implemented in software, or as virtual machines. Moreover, in some implementations, communication networkmay be a high-speed network suitable for high performance computing (HPC), for example a 10 GigE network or an Infiniband network.

102 112 130 102 102 Alternatively, in some implementations computing platformmay take the form of a of a personal computing device, such as a desktop computer or any other suitable mobile or stationary computing system that implements data processing capabilities sufficient to support connections to communication networkand implement the control of projection unitascribed to computing platformherein. For example, in other implementations, computing platformmay take the form of a laptop computer, tablet computer, or smartphone, for example.

2 FIG.A 2 FIG.A 230 3 240 100 230 240 232 234 240 shows a more detailed diagram of projection unitincluding exemplary-D extendable projection surface(in an extended state) suitable for use in system, according to one implementation. According to the exemplary implementation shown in, projection unitincludes 3-D extendable projection surfaceand support structurehaving horizontal support armfor supporting 3-D extendable projection surface.

2 FIGS.A 240 242 234 232 244 242 240 240 246 240 248 248 248 248 248 248 246 250 252 248 248 248 a b c d a d b c d. As further shown in, 3-D extendable projection surfaceincludes non-extending endattached to horizontal support armof support structureso as to be substantially stationary, and extending endconfigured to extend away from non-extending endduring deployment of 3-D extendable projection surface. In addition, 3-D extendable projection surfaceis shown to include deformable textured materialproviding an exterior of 3-D extendable projection surface, multiple structural elements,,and(hereinafter “structural elements-”) affixed to the inner surface of deformable textured material, and multiple actuatorseach including a respective connectorattached to one of structural elements,and

2 FIG.A 2 FIG.A 248 248 248 242 248 248 242 244 240 248 248 248 248 240 248 248 240 a d, a a b a b c d a d Although the exemplary implementation shown inis described as including four structural elements-one of which, i.e., structural elementis depicted as being located at substantially stationary non-extending end, that representation is merely provided by way of example. In other implementations, structural elements corresponding to structural elements-may include as few as two structural elements, e.g., one structural element at each of non-extending endand extending end, or may include three structural elements, four structural elements, or more than four structural elements. In addition, in some implementations, all structural elements included by 3-D extendable projection surface, i.e., structural elementas well as structural elements,and, may be attached to a respective actuator by a respective connector. Moreover, it is noted that, when 3-D extendable projection surfaceis extended, as shown in, structural elements-are located at different respective heights along the interior of3-D extendable projection surface.

2 FIG.A 254 254 240 255 255 120 230 256 258 240 240 246 254 256 246 240 254 255 240 246 Also shown inare one or more optional internal lighting elements(hereinafter “internal lighting element(s)”) of 3-D extendable projection surface, optional one or more external lighting elements(hereinafter “external lighting element(s)”) of projection unit/, and optional object, which when activated, can be used to produce shadowwithin 3-D extendable projection surface, but visible through the exterior of 3-D extendable projection surfaceprovided by deformable textured material. It is noted that when not activated, optional internal lighting element(s)and optional objectmay not be visible through deformable textured material. It is further noted that in various implementations, 3-D extendable projection surfacemay be configured for internal illumination using optional internal lighting element(s), may be lighted externally by external lighting element(s)illuminating the exterior of 3-D extendable projection surfaceprovided by deformable textured material, or may be both internally and externally illuminated.

230 130 130 232 234 240 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 2 FIG.A It is noted that projection unitcorresponds in general to projection unit, in, and those corresponding features may share any of the characteristics attributed to either corresponding feature by the present disclosure. That is to say, although not shown in, projection unitincludes support structurehaving horizontal support armand 3-D extendable projection surfacehaving any of the elements shown in and described by reference to.

240 250 252 248 248 248 248 248 252 250 102 240 a d b c d Exemplary 3-D extendable projection surfaceis operable using overhead rigging provided by actuatorsincluding connectorsto actuate an internal skeleton provided by structural elements-in the desired shape of a 3-D object which is to be created and illuminated. The rigging is connected to structural elements,andsuch that the downward extension of connectorsin the form of exemplary cables, via exemplary winches of actuatorscontrolled by computing platform, may control the size, shape, and behavior of 3-D extendable projection surfaceso as to cause 3-D projection surface to move realistically as it is deployed.

246 246 248 248 254 248 248 248 248 248 248 240 246 a d a d. a d a d, Deformable textured materialmay include a structural-base theatrical fabric layered with fire resistant batting material, such a Dacron® for example, to enhance the dimension of the surface, lending itself to the look of a desired object shape while obscuring internal shadows of smaller mechanisms and connectors. Alternatively, deformable textured materialmay include cotton batting, a cling-wrap type material, spandex, or iron wool, to name a few examples. Structural elements-may take the form of hoops or rings, for example, which in some implementations may be made of a translucent material, such as acrylic rod, to allow for light from internal lighting element(s)to pass through structural elements-Alternatively, in some use cases, one or more of structural elements-may be formed of a material such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or any other opaque material capable of serving as structural elements-while having sufficiently small dimensions to be visually obscured by the exterior of 3-D extendable projection surfaceprovided by deformable textured material.

256 240 258 240 240 254 248 248 246 250 252 240 a d, In some implementations, optional objectmay be or include an opaque character-facsimile made from a sock of scrim that travels up and down within 3-D extendable projection surfaceto cast shadowand add to the illusion of the character traveling through 3-D extendable projection surfaceas 3-D extendable projection surfaceis deployed and illuminated from within by internal lighting element(s), which may include one or more strobe lights for example. The combination of structural elements-deformable textured materialand actuatorsincluding connectorsallow for an accordion-like and/or telescoping deployment of 3-D extendable projection surface.

2 FIG.A 240 244 242 242 244 250 236 238 234 232 252 244 242 248 248 248 248 248 248 a d a d a d As shown in, in some implementations, 3-D extendable projection surface, when extended, may be configured to assume a conical, a pyramidal, or a frustoconical shape, having extending endproviding the vertex and non-extending endproviding the base, wherein non-extending endis situated above extending end. In those implementations, actuators, which may be rotary actuators such as winches, linear actuatorsconfigured to slide along horizontal support armof support structure, or a combination thereof may be used to extend the length of connectors, in the form of exemplary cables, to lower extending endaway from non-extending end. Moreover, in some of those implementations, structural elements-may be rings or hoops having progressively smaller dimensions, such as rings having progressively smaller diameters, or ellipses having progressively shorter major and minor axes, with structural elementof non-extending end having the largest dimensions and structural elementof extending end having the smallest dimensions. However, in other implementations, each of structural elements-may have substantially the same dimensions, such as the same diameters, or major and minor elliptical axes of the same length.

240 248 248 234 232 248 248 248 248 248 250 250 248 248 248 250 248 248 248 250 248 248 248 2 FIG.A 2 FIG.A a d a d b c d b c d b c d b c d The implementation of 3-D extendable projection surfaceshown inmay be used to produce the illusion of an active cyclonic weather phenomenon, such as the formation of a tornado for example. It is noted that althoughshows each of structural elements-as having a single connection point for attachment to horizontal support armof support structure, that representation is merely provided in the interests of conceptual clarity. In various implementations, each of structural elements-may have multiple connection points, while the deployment of each of structural elements,andmay be controlled using multiple actuators, such as three actuatorsfor each of structural elements,and, or any other desired number of actuatorsfor each of structural elements,and. It is further noted that the use of multiple actuatorsto control the deployment of structural elements,andadvantageously enables those structural elements to shift or wobble relative to one another, thereby enhancing the realism with which a tornado or other cyclonic weather phenomenon appears to form and drop to earth.

2 FIG.B 2 FIG.A 2 FIG.B 2 FIG.A 2 FIG.B 2 FIG.A 240 240 250 252 248 248 248 240 248 248 246 250 252 3 240 240 240 240 248 248 248 248 248 248 248 248 248 248 248 248 b c d a d, d a d c c b b b a a a d shows exemplary 3-D extendable projection surfaceofin a retracted state, according to one implementation. It is noted that any feature inidentified by a reference number identical to a reference number shown incorresponds respectively to that previously described feature and may share any of its attributes. As is evident from, in some implementations the deployment of 3-D extendable projection surfacedepicted in, may be reversed using actuatorsto shorten the length of connectorsattached to each of structural elements,and. Thus, in addition to enabling realistic deployment of 3-D extendable projection surface, the combination of structural elements-deformable textured materialand actuatorsincluding connectorsallow for an accordion-like and/or telescoping retraction of-D extendable projection surfacesuch that 3-D extendable projection surfacemay be hidden from the view of a person at a venue including 3-D extendable projection surfaceand may be creatively deployed and illuminated to create a 3-D illusion on demand. In some examples, in the retracted state of 3-D extendable projection surface, structural element(having the smallest dimensions of structural elements-) completely nests within structural element, structural element(having dimensions smaller than structural element) completely nests within structural element, and structural element(having dimensions smaller than structural element) completely nests within structural elementsuch that structural elements-are planar (i.e., lying in one plane) with respect to one another.

2 FIG.C 2 FIG.A 2 FIG.C 2 FIG.A 2 FIG.C 2 FIG.B 240 2 248 248 248 248 a d a d shows exemplary 3-D extendable projection surfaceofin a retracted state, according to another implementation. It is noted that any feature inidentified by a reference number identical to a reference number shown inofB corresponds respectively to that previously described feature and may share any of its attributes. As noted above, in some implementations, each of structural elements-may have substantially the same dimensions, such as the same diameters, or major and minor elliptical axes of the same length. As is evident from, in those implementations, retraction of 3-D extendable projection surface results in structural elements-collapsing onto one another, rather than forming a nested retracted configuration as shown in.

2 2 2 FIGS.A,B, andC 244 242 242 252 244 242 242 244 242 It is noted that althoughdepict implementations in which extending endis extended away from non-extending endby being lowered below non-extending endusing connectorsin the form of cables, that representation is merely provided by way of example. In other implementations, extending endmay be extended away from non-extending endby being elevated above non-extending endusing connectors in the form of rods, for example, to create the illusion of a fountain or mountain, for example. In other words, in some implementations, when extended, extending endof 3-D extendable projection surface may be situated above non-extending end.

244 242 248 248 248 248 248 248 2 2 2 FIGS.A,B andC a d a d a d In yet other implementations, extending endmay be extended laterally away from non-extending endusing connectors in the form of rods, for example, to simulate growth of a tree limb or other plant feature, or the act of reaching out by a hand of a character (e.g., a character embodied by a machine such as a robot). Moreover, in implementations other than the specific use case shown in, the respective dimensions of structural elements-may progressively increase, may variably increase or decrease from structural element to structural element, or may be the same across some or all structural elements, while in various implementations one or more of structural elements-may assume a shape or shapes other than rings or hoops (i.e., other than circular or elliptical). For example, one or more of structural elements-may assume a shape of a rectangle, a square, a star, or a polygon.

3 FIG. 1 FIG. 3 FIG. 320 100 320 322 322 322 322 322 120 320 120 320 322 322 322 120 320 322 322 322 322 322 a b b c c a b c a b c a c shows a more detailed diagram of sensor unitsuitable for use with system, in, according to one implementation. As shown in, sensor unitmay include one or any combination of RFID reader, one or more microphones(hereinafter “microphone(s)”) and one or more cameras(hereinafter “camera(s)”). It is noted that the specific sensors shown to be included in sensor unit/are merely exemplary, and in other implementations, sensor unit/may include more, or fewer, sensors than RFID reader, microphone(s)and camera(s). Moreover, in other implementations, sensor unit/may include a sensor or sensors other than one or more of RFID reader, microphone(s)and camera(s)(hereinafter also “sensor(s)-”).

320 322 322 120 122 120 122 320 322 322 a c a c 1 FIG. Sensor unitand sensor(s)-correspond respectively in general to sensor unitand sensor(s), in. Thus, sensor unitand sensor(s)may share any of the characteristics attributed to respective sensor unitand sensor(s)-by the present disclosure, and vice versa.

100 130 230 240 460 460 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. The operation of systemincluding projection unit/providing 3-D extendable projection surfacewill be further described by reference to.shows flowchartpresenting an exemplary method for use by a system including a 3-D extendable projection surface, according to one implementation. With respect to the actions outlined in, it is noted that certain details and features have been left out of flowchartin order not to obscure the discussion of the inventive features in the present application.

4 FIG. 1 2 3 FIGS.,A and 460 118 461 118 240 116 101 130 230 240 118 102 100 124 112 114 118 102 100 120 320 122 322 322 112 114 118 461 110 104 100 a c Referring toin combination with, flowchartbegins with receiving activation signal(action). Activation signalmay be or include a trigger signal for initiating deployment of 3-D extendable projection surfaceas part of the production of a 3-D visual effect for presentation to a personat venuein which projection unit/including 3-D extendable projection surfaceis located. In some implementations, activation signalmay be received by computing platformof systemfrom entertainment system, via communication networkand network communication links. Alternatively, in some implementations, activation signalmay be received by computing platformof systemfrom sensor unit/, based on data collected by one or more of sensor(s)/-, via communication networkand network communication links. In either use case, activation signalmay be received, in action, by software code, executed by hardware processorof system.

4 FIG. 1 2 FIGS.andA 2 FIG.A 460 118 244 240 242 462 240 244 242 242 244 250 240 252 244 242 Referring toin combination with, flowchartfurther includes extending, in response to receiving activation signal, extending endof 3-D extendable projection surfaceaway from non-extending end(action). As noted above by reference to, in some implementations, 3-D extendable projection surfacemay be configured to assume a conical, a pyramidal, or a frustoconical shape upon extension, having extending endproviding the vertex and non-extending endproviding the base, wherein non-extending endis situated above or below extending end. In those implementations, actuatorsof 3-D extendable projection surface, which may be rotary actuators and/or linear actuators, may be used to extend the length of connectors, in the form of exemplary cables, to lower extending endaway from non-extending end.

2 FIG.A 244 242 242 252 244 242 242 244 242 240 462 110 104 100 As further noted above, althoughdepicts an exemplary implementation in which extending endis extended away from non-extending endby being lowered below non-extending endusing connectorsin the form of cables, that representation is merely provided by way of example. In other implementations, extending endmay be extended away from non-extending endby being elevated above non-extending endusing connectors in the form of rods, for example, to create the illusion of a fountain or mountain, for example. In yet other implementations, extending endmay be extended laterally away from non-extending endusing connectors in the form of rods, for example, to simulate growth of a tree limb or other plant feature, or the act of reaching out by a hand of a character. Regardless of the specific use case, extension of 3-D extendable projection surfacemay be begun, in action, by software code, executed by hardware processorof system, and using projection unit 130/230.

4 FIG. 1 2 FIGS.andA 460 240 463 240 240 240 3 240 Continuing to refer toin combination with, flowchartfurther includes illuminating 3-D extendable projection surface(action). It is noted that in various use cases 3-D extendable projection surfacemay be illuminated at any time during the extension of 3-D extendable projection surface, or may be illuminated after the extension of 3-D extendable projection surfacehas been completed and-D extendable projection surfaceis fully deployed.

240 255 130 230 240 254 240 In some implementations, illumination of 3-D extendable projection surfacemay be performed using optional external lighting element(s)of projection unit/, which may be or include one or more spot lights, one or more floodlights, or one or more spotlights and one or more floodlights. Alternatively, or in addition, illumination of 3-D extendable projection surfacemay be performed using optional internal lighting element(s)of 3-D extendable projection surface, which may be or include one or more strobe lighting elements.

240 256 240 258 240 240 463 110 104 100 130 230 In some implementations, and as also noted above, 3-D extendable projection surfacemay include optional objectin the form of an opaque character-facsimile made from a sock of scrim that moves within 3-D extendable projection surfaceto cast shadowvisible through the exterior of 3-D extendable projection surface. The continued extension and contemporaneous illumination of 3-D extendable projection surface, in action, may be performed by software code, executed by hardware processorof system, and using projection unit/.

4 FIG. 1 2 FIGS.andA 460 240 116 101 240 116 101 464 464 130 230 110 104 100 240 Continuing to refer toin combination with, flowchartfurther includes producing a 3-D visual effect on the extended and illuminated 3-D extendable projection surfacethat is at least one of: (i) synchronized to a predetermined entertainment, (ii) interactively responsive to an action by personat venueincluding 3-D extendable projection surface, or (iii) responsive to a location of personwithin venue(action). Actionmay be performed by projection unit/under the control of software code, executed by hardware processorof system, and may include projecting one or more images onto 3-D extendable projection surface.

464 124 118 102 100 461 464 116 101 116 116 322 322 322 120 320 116 101 116 464 116 116 3 FIG. a b c In implementations in which the 3-D visual effect produced in actionis synchronized to a predetermined entertainment, that predetermined entertainment may be selected by entertainment systemand may be identified by activation signalreceived by computing platformof systemin action. Alternatively, referring further to, in implementations in which the 3-D visual effect produced in actionis responsive to a location of personwithin venue, or to an action by person, that location, or that action, such as speech, movement, or a gesture, posture, or facial expression by person, for example, may be detected using one or more of RFID reader, microphone(s), or camera(s)of sensor unit/. It is noted that, in some implementations, in addition to being responsive to a location of personwithin venueor an action by person, or as an alternative to being responsive to the location or the action, the 3-D visual effect produced in actionmay be triggered by the presence of an object or item owned by person, or in the temporary possession of person.

460 464 240 460 240 240 464 465 240 3 240 116 240 240 240 240 465 130 230 110 104 100 2 FIG.B In some use cases, the method outlined by flowchartmay conclude with actiondescribed above. However, and as shown by, in some implementations, 3-D extendable projection surfacemay be a 3-D extendable and retractable projection surface. In those implementations, flowchartmay further include retracting 3-D extendable projection surface, either during the 3-D visual effect produced on 3-D extendable projection surface, or when the 3-D visual effect produced in actionends (action). It is noted that the retracted state of 3-D extendable projection surface, i.e., either before a 3-D visual effect is to be produced or when the 3-D visual effect ends, advantageously hides-D extendable projection surfacefrom the view of personwhen 3-D extendable projection surfaceis not in use. Moreover, retraction of 3-D extendable projection surfaceduring the 3-D visual effect produced on 3-D extendable projection surfacemay enhance the visual effect, for example by creating the illusion of a tornado that hops as it moves across the ground. Retraction of 3-D extendable projection surface, in action, may be performed by projection unit/under the control of software code, executed by hardware processorof system.

460 461 462 463 464 461 464 461 464 465 With respect to the method outlined by flowchart, it is also noted that actions,,, and(hereinafter “actions-”), or actions-and, may be performed as an automated method from which human intervention may be omitted.

Thus, the present application discloses projection systems including 3-D extendable projection surfaces and methods for their use that address and overcome the deficiencies in the conventional art. The novel and inventive concepts disclosed in the present application advance the state-of-the-art by providing a projection solution capable of appearing to generate a visual effect organically, by realistically moving and shaping a 3-D projection surface as it is deployed in the midst of a well-lighted scene, as well as to cause that visual effect to disappear from view without breaking immersion of viewers of an entertainment including the visual effect. The visual effect produced by the novel and inventive 3-D extendable projection surface disclosed in the present application has the additional advantage of being viewable in-the-round to full effect. That is to say, the resultant visual effect may be viewed from multiple or moving perspectives concurrently.

From the above description it is manifest that various techniques can be used for implementing the concepts described in the present application without departing from the scope of those concepts. Moreover, while the concepts have been described with specific reference to certain implementations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of those concepts. As such, the described implementations are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. It should also be understood that the present application is not limited to the particular implementations described herein, but many rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.